CSK Told To Release Rs 14.20 Crore Star As IPL Retentions Deadline Approaches

The IPL 2027 retention deadline is just a couple of weeks away. As one of the most popular franchises, there is a lot of chatter on whom Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will retain, and whom they will let go. The five-time IPL champions recently made wholesale changes to their coaching staff, appointing legendary India pacer Zaheer Khan as head coach. Former India cricketer and reputed commentator Aakash Chopra gave his opinion on CSK's retentions, and mentioned that he would let go of one costly player.

In a video on his YouTube channel, Chopra advocated for the retentions of South African batter Dewald Brevis, New Zealand pacer Matt Henry, West Indies spinner Akeal Hosein, Indian pacer Anshul Kamboj and English all-rounder Jamie Overton.

However, he mentioned in the video's caption that he would release Australian all-rounder Matt Short and uncapped Indian all-rounder Prashant Veer.

Releasing Prashant Veer would be a headline move from CSK, as the franchise had made him the joint-most expensive uncapped player in IPL history in just the previous auction. The all-rounder, who bats and bowls left-handed, was bought for Rs 14.20 crore.

Despite playing six games, Veer was largely underused by CSK. He bowled just two overs and failed to pick up a wicket. Veer also batted in the lower-middle order, and scored 90 runs at a strike-rate of 134.32.

Ruturaj Gaikwad: Stay Or Go?

CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad is under pressure, with the franchise failing to reach the playoffs in any of the three seasons that he has been captain. Gaikwad earns Rs 18 crore from CSK, but was severely criticised for his slow batting in IPL 2026. He had a strike-rate of only 123.44 in the previous season.

However, Aakash Chopra stated that CSK should retain Gaikwad.

"Ruturaj Gaikwad, be it Rs 18 crore or Rs 25 crore, he's the captain and the opener after all. Definitely retain. Someone told me CSK would let him go, and I said, "Are you mad?" Chopra said.

After finishing rock-bottom in IPL 2025 and eighth in IPL 2026, CSK will hope to finally make it to the playoffs in 2027.

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